But even if he accepts one of the offers, getting there will be tricky - because using European airspace could be problematic, and it is likely that any flight would need to stopover in another country.

"As head of state and government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela I have decided to offer humanitarian asylum to the young US citizen Edward Snowden so he can come to the fatherland of Bolivar and Chavez to live away from the imperial North American persecution," he said.

He added: "He is a young man who has told the truth, in the spirit of rebellion, about the United States spying on the whole world," the New York Times reported.

According to the AFP news agency, Ortega confirmed Snowden's application to Nicaragua.

He was quoted as saying: "We are open, respectful of the right to asylum, and it is clear that if circumstances permit it, we would receive Snowden with pleasure and give him asylum here in Nicaragua."